Mother Orange Tree -- That's the name given to the oldest living orange tree in the state of California, and it's on the west side of Oroville East. Originally it was in the gold mining settlement of Bidwell's Bar, but that site is now submerged under the waters of Lake Oroville.
When the huge dam was constructed it flooded Bidwell's Bar and other historic sites from the earliest days of the California Gold Rush
Mother Orange Tree -- That's the name given to the oldest living orange tree in the state of California, and it's on the west side of Oroville East. Originally it was in the gold mining settlement of Bidwell's Bar, but that site is now submerged under the waters of Lake Oroville.
When the huge dam was constructed it flooded Bidwell's Bar and other historic sites from the earliest days of the California Gold Rush. The only other remnants of the town, other than the tree, are the original clock tower and Bidwell Bridge, both now part of the Butte County Historical Museum. Now, the lake is a favored recreation area for the water jockeys among you, as well as other sport enthusiasts. The lake has a large number of houseboats plying its surface. In the summer, it gets hotter 'n hell's waiting room here, so having the lake close can be a great relief. East Oroville isn't incorporated but instead is a census designated place just east of the main city of Oroville. Most of the over 8,000 people who call it home live near the lake, with some development to the south and west.
Loading up your wagon to settle in these parts is a little less challenging than it was in Gold Rush days, for sure. That said, it still takes a plan if you're going to land the best deal you can for what you want. This part of California is popular and the percentage of rental units available typically runs below the national average. Proactive steps net good results, right? So listen up. Start with a list of available properties that fall within your price range and have the amenities you most want, and your apartment search in East Oroville can get great results. Just be aware that to get the best deals will take a good credit report, and be prepared to pony up first, last, and security deposit when you sign the lease.
From right alongside the towering dam that made Lake Oroville, west toward the main town, there are a few distinctive areas that have their own characteristics. It's a town set into the lower part of the foothills to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, just before the land goes flat into the valley, so the contours of the land help form community boundaries. There are many neighborhoods here in which you can find a rental apt, including three-bedroom apartments.
Marina Area: Set behind the main marina for Lake Oroville is this area of mostly ranch style single family homes. The Lake Oroville Golf and Event Center is to the west, right next to the dam. Look for a house to rent here if you want easy access to the lake.
Miners Ranch: Just to the south is this neighborhood that follows Kelly Ridge Road past another dam and the much smaller Miners Ranch Reservoir. After crossing Olive Highway there is a developed area of homes and a manufactured home park.
Canyon Drive: Going north to south along the west side of the more densely populated areas near the lake, this road moves down to Olive Highway and has homes scattered along, with heavier concentrations on both the north and south ends. To the west is the Mother Orange Tree as well as the Gold Country Casino & Hotel.
Skyline Boulevard: As this thoroughfare glides along a low ridge top it goes through developed areas and small farms. The lots tend to be a little bit larger and the feel is more rural. There are wineries here where you can leisurely sample the best of the local vintages.
It might not be the classic image of the California Dream with surfers and Hollywood glamour, but the winters are mild, there are palm and orange trees, and the vibe is laid back. Kelly Ridge, Loafer Creek, and Lake Oroville Recreation Areas are just the beginning of the outdoor recreation opportunities. Head farther up into the Sierra Nevada Mountains for mountain biking, hiking, and camping. The world-class ski resorts near Lake Tahoe are a fairly short drive away and you are more than close enough to plan a day trip or weekend excursion to San Francisco or the California Coast and the majestic redwoods. When it's time to grab a bite to eat, try what's been called the best Mexican food around at Papacito's or the Steakhouse at Gold Country Casino for a tasty cut of beef prepared to perfection.
Mother Orange Tree -- That's the name given to the oldest living orange tree in the state of California, and it's on the west side of Oroville East. Originally it was in the gold mining settlement of Bidwell's Bar, but that site is now submerged under the waters of Lake Oroville.
When the huge dam was constructed it flooded Bidwell's Bar and other historic sites from the earliest days of the California Gold Rush
View Oroville East City Guide